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The US Northeast is at risk of electricity shortages this winter due to limited capacity on natural gas pipelines supplying power plants, according to the North American Electric Reliability Corp. Harsh weather conditions could threaten energy reserves across the Northeast, Midwest, and Texas, with power plants at risk of breaking down during extreme cold. Texas faces a potential imbalance between supply and demand, with electricity demand rising faster than the growth of "dispatchable" resources, which could lead to power shortages. The US Southeast is also being monitored for potential impacts on winter reliability following recent hurricanes. [Extracted from the article]

According to a Bloomberg article by Naureen S. Malik, power supplies to over 5 million US households are facing issues that could reduce efficiency and damage home appliances, with Chicago being the worst-affected area. The problem is attributed to bad harmonics, which cause electricity waves to deviate from the ideal pattern, leading to potential overheating of electronics and rattling of appliance motors. Whisker Labs Inc. is providing granular data on household power quality, with distortions exceeding 8% being red flags that can shorten appliance lifespans. The company will alert customers about bad harmonics to help address potential problems with local utilities. [Extracted from the article]

NRG Energy Inc. and Renew Home LLC are teaming up to distribute 650,000 AI-enabled thermostats in Texas homes over the next decade, using Google Cloud technology to reduce electricity demand by nearly 1 gigawatt. The initiative aims to provide cost savings and incentives for consumers to curtail energy usage, ultimately freeing up 1 gigawatt of electricity demand by 2035. Google Cloud's AI and machine learning will optimize cooling and heating times based on household energy patterns, with plans to expand to managing battery storage and electric vehicles in the future. [Extracted from the article]

Tech giants seeking to power large artificial intelligence centers face challenges after US regulators rejected Amazon's request to use a Pennsylvania nuclear plant's electricity. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's decision hinders the quick supply of electricity needed for data centers as AI technology advances. While the ruling may be temporary, concerns about the strain on the power grid and costs remain, highlighting the disconnect between tech industry speed and power infrastructure planning. The decision may prompt further discussions and reviews of options for powering data centers in the future. [Extracted from the article]

US power stocks, including Talen Energy Corp., dropped after the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission rejected Talen's plan to supply power to an Amazon data center near its Susquehanna nuclear plant in Pennsylvania. The decision raises concerns about the impact of data centers on electricity demand and cost shifting to other consumers. The rejection is seen as a setback for the nuclear data center thesis, with companies like Constellation Energy Corp. experiencing significant stock declines despite strong financial performance. The FERC ruling followed a technical amendment request by PJM Interconnection to increase power usage at the Susquehanna plant, highlighting the challenges of co-locating data centers with existing power plants. [Extracted from the article]

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission rejected Amazon's request to divert electricity from a Pennsylvania nuclear plant to power its data center, impacting the ability of tech giants to quickly access power for AI centers. This decision has caused a significant setback for energy providers and big tech customers, as data centers are expected to drive a surge in electricity demand. While the ruling may be revised in the future, there is uncertainty surrounding the potential for co-location at nuclear plants, highlighting the misalignment between the fast-paced tech sector and slower power infrastructure planning. [Extracted from the article]

US power company stocks, including Talen Energy Corp., Vistra Corp., and Constellation Energy Corp., experienced a decline in pre-market trading after the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission rejected Talen's plan to supply a data center near its Susquehanna nuclear plant in Pennsylvania. The decision was made due to concerns about grid reliability and potential cost increases for consumers. The rejection has raised questions about the feasibility of co-locating data centers with existing power plants and the impact on electricity usage in the US. Commission Chairman Willie Phillips expressed dissent, emphasizing the importance of AI technologies for national security and economic growth. [Extracted from the article]

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission rejected a proposal that would have allowed an Amazon data center to use more power from a nearby nuclear plant, owned by Talen Energy Corp. The decision was made due to concerns about the plan setting a precedent and not adequately proving why the special contract should be allowed under federal rules. The rejection impacts not only Amazon and Talen, but also other generators hoping to sign power-sales deals with tech giants, as the industry faces potential reliability concerns and challenges in planning for future electricity usage. [Extracted from the article]

The article from Bloomberg.com discusses the importance of supporting the development of data centers in the United States, emphasizing the national security implications of providing the necessary electricity for these facilities. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) sees data centers as crucial for economic growth and national security, urging the need to keep them in the country. The article also highlights the debate around co-locating data centers next to power plants, with concerns about strains on the power grid and potential cost implications for consumers. [Extracted from the article]

The article from Bloomberg.com discusses the importance of supporting the development of data centers in the United States, as they are seen as critical for national security. Willie Phillips, chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, emphasized the significance of artificial intelligence and related technologies in the country. The article highlights the potential economic growth and national security concerns that could arise if data centers move overseas due to power supply issues or regulatory barriers. The discussion at the FERC technical conference focused on how to meet the growing electricity demand from data centers, which are expected to drive significant growth in the future. [Extracted from the article]

KKR & Co predicts that global spending on data centers will reach $250 billion annually due to the increasing demand for AI and cloud-computing support. The US leads in data center development, consuming significantly more power than Europe and Asia. KKR recently partnered with Energy Capital Partners to accelerate AI infrastructure development, while competitors like Blackstone Inc. and Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. are also heavily investing in data centers. Data-center operators are shifting towards securing reliable power sources, potentially leading to the emergence of purchase power agreements for gas-fueled plants. [Extracted from the article]

KKR & Co predicts that global spending on data centers will reach $250 billion annually due to the increasing demand for AI and cloud-computing support. The US leads in data center development, consuming 16 to 18 gigawatts of power compared to 6 gigawatts in Europe and Asia. KKR has partnered with Energy Capital Partners to accelerate AI infrastructure development, focusing on data centers, power generation, and transmission infrastructure. The company has been investing in data centers for five years and is exploring potential collaborations with technology, power firms, and utilities to meet the growing global demand for data centers. [Extracted from the article]

CenterPoint Energy Inc. has experienced a 700% surge in requests from data center developers to connect to its Houston-area utility, with the queue now exceeding 8 gigawatts. The company attributes this growth to the rise in facilities supporting artificial intelligence. Data center construction by major tech companies is expected to further increase electricity demand in Texas, with CenterPoint projecting a potential 30% peak demand increase by 2030. The company, facing scrutiny for outages during extreme weather events, is under pressure to address infrastructure needs and ensure fair cost-sharing with data center developers. [Extracted from the article]

Sunrun Inc. is exploring partnerships with data center developers to provide solar power generation for their facilities, according to CEO Mary Powell. The company is considering various models, including collaborating with electric utilities to offer customized solar systems for new data centers. This potential collaboration highlights the growing demand for alternative power sources in the face of increasing data center construction driven by artificial intelligence. The CEO emphasized the need for the electricity industry to adapt to new ways of supplying power to meet these evolving needs. [Extracted from the article]

Sunrun Inc. is exploring partnerships with data center developers to provide solar power generation for their facilities, as stated by CEO Mary Powell at the Dervos 2024 conference. The company is considering various models, such as collaborating with electric utilities or utilizing existing Sunrun systems in nearby communities. This potential collaboration highlights the growing demand for alternative power sources in the data center industry, with a focus on reconfiguring and upgrading the US power grid. [Extracted from the article]

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas is engaging in conversations with technology giants building artificial intelligence data centers in the state to ensure that they pay more for electricity infrastructure upgrades. The state grid operator's CEO, Pablo Vegas, emphasizes the need for fair allocation of costs, especially as these data centers consume significant amounts of electricity. Following the 2021 winter storm that exposed vulnerabilities in the grid, Texas is looking to tech companies to help invest in and improve the grid infrastructure for future growth and stability. Vegas also highlights the potential for data centers to contribute to grid stability by utilizing on-site backup generation during times of stress. [Extracted from the article]

Google is investing in nuclear power to support its goal of achieving around-the-clock clean energy for its operations, particularly for artificial intelligence facilities. The company has announced its first investment in nuclear power by backing the development of advanced small modular reactors from Kairos Power, with a combined capacity of 500 megawatts. Google believes that nuclear technology is crucial for achieving carbon-free energy 24 hours a day, in addition to wind and solar power. Other tech companies, such as Microsoft and Amazon, are also investing in clean power sources like nuclear to support their data centers and operations. [Extracted from the article]

Google has announced its investment in the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) through a partnership with Kairos Power. The agreement includes the construction of SMRs that use molten-salt cooling technology, with power supplies expected to begin between 2030 and 2035. This move is part of Google's effort to bring online new carbon-free electricity as it expands its data centers in the coming decade. The deal will support 500 megawatts of power, starting with a 50-megawatt demonstration project in Tennessee. The partnership reflects the growing interest in nuclear power as a clean energy source for tech companies. [Extracted from the article]

Texas' top electricity regulator, Thomas Gleeson, has stated that data centers looking to build next to power plants may have to build the power plant themselves. Data centers that support artificial intelligence can consume large amounts of electricity, and allowing them to buy all the power from existing plants could strain the grid. Gleeson's agency is telling data center developers that they will need to supply their own power if they want to connect to the Texas grid within the next year to 15 months. [Extracted from the article]

German power company RWE AG is focusing on developing renewable energy sources to meet the growing demand driven by artificial intelligence (AI) in the US and Europe. CEO Markus Krebber stated that the company is not currently seeking any acquisitions for power generation, dispelling rumors of a potential stake in US power-plant giant Calpine Corp. RWE is in discussions with major tech companies to repurpose nuclear and coal plants for data center facilities, which would be supported by power purchase agreements for green energy. The company also plans to bid for up to 3 gigawatts of gas generation in a German auction next year. [Extracted from the article]

According to the CEO of EQT Corp., the largest producer of natural gas in the US, data centers for artificial intelligence (AI) will be the biggest driver of increased natural gas demand in the coming years. The rise in gas consumption in the US has been driven by the switch from coal to gas as the primary fuel for power plants, as well as the opening of export facilities on the Gulf Coast. The power needed to run AI data centers is expected to translate to 6-13 billion cubic feet of gas per day, compared to the current total US consumption of just over 100 billion cubic feet per day. EQT sees opportunities to tap into this demand in Virginia, the southeast of the country, and in regions with existing power-related infrastructure such as Pittsburgh, Ohio, and West Virginia. Despite the potential increase in demand, US gas prices have remained subdued in recent years due to oversupply. However, if prices do rally, there could be possible spikes similar to those seen in 2022. EQT has the ability to bring production back online quickly if desired, and the marginal cost to bring new production online is around $3.50 per million BTU. EQT's break-even point is $2, allowing the company to cover costs and generate free cash flow. [Extracted from the article]

US energy companies are increasing their plans for new natural gas-fired power generation, indicating that fossil fuels may have a longer lifespan than previously anticipated. This surge in demand is driven by the need to power AI data centers, manufacturing facilities, and electric vehicles. While natural gas is seen as a bridge fuel and a less carbon-intensive alternative to coal, it also has environmental consequences, such as methane leakage. The approval of new gas plants risks locking in earth-warming emissions beyond President Joe Biden's goal of achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2035. Despite concerns, companies have announced plans to build more new gas power capacity in 2024 than in any year since 2017. [Extracted from the article]

Chicago and the Midwest are expected to experience the hottest days of the summer, with temperatures reaching 96F (36C) on Monday and 98F on Tuesday. The National Weather Service warns people to limit their outdoor activities due to the high heat and humidity, which will make it feel like triple-digit heat. There is also an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms, including hail and tornadoes, in parts of South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. The heat will put pressure on electric grids and pose health risks, and electricity prices in the Midwest have risen to six-week highs. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the emerging market for power management systems in homes, which utilize technology to optimize energy usage and reduce costs. These systems allow homeowners to control their energy consumption, sell excess power back to the grid, and earn incentives for providing flexibility to the grid. The article highlights the potential benefits of power management systems, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, saving money on utility bills, and avoiding the need for costly infrastructure investments. However, challenges remain, including the low adoption rate of solar panels and the significant upfront costs for upgrading electrical systems. The article emphasizes the need for incentives and government support to drive the adoption of power management systems. [Extracted from the article]

Texans experienced record-breaking electricity usage on Tuesday as high temperatures prompted an increase in air conditioner usage. Power demand reached 85,559 megawatts, surpassing the previous record set in August 2023. The heat index in northern and central Texas created hazardous conditions, and the National Weather Service reported a surge in humidity. While the summer of 2024 has not been as intense as 2023 in terms of heat, the grid faces the greatest risk during sundown when solar supplies decrease. Batteries have helped supplement power supplies during this time. [Extracted from the article]

Texas is currently facing extreme heat and record-breaking electricity consumption, with power use on the state grid expected to reach 86 gigawatts. This comes after previous instances of power outages and high energy costs due to extreme weather conditions. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas assures that they have enough supplies to meet the demand, and so far this summer, the grid has been operating smoothly. However, power prices have reached their highest hourly price in two weeks. [Extracted from the article]

Power plants on the largest US electric grid have received record payouts in an auction aimed at improving the system's reliability. However, experts believe that these payouts alone will not be enough to encourage significant investment in new projects needed to meet the growing demand for power. The construction process for natural gas-fired projects capable of providing round-the-clock power typically takes at least three years, and there are very few such projects currently in development within the grid's territory. This lack of investment could strain the grid's ability to handle increased demand, especially as old coal-fired power plants are being retired. Higher interest rates, difficulties in accessing equipment and labor, and the lengthy process of connecting to the grid are among the factors that have hindered the development of renewable energy projects in the area. Developers are unlikely to invest in new projects without confidence in solid returns, and they may explore cheaper and faster options before considering building new gas plants. [Extracted from the article]

Baltimore-area homeowners can expect an 11% increase in their electric utility bills starting in mid-2025. This increase is due to the rising costs of procuring supplies in a recent grid auction. The average bill will go up by about $18 per month, according to the utility's CEO. The increase is a result of increased electricity demand and a decrease in supply, as well as the potential shutdown of two aging plants. This spike in bills is not unique to Baltimore, as homes and businesses across the 13-state US Eastern grid are facing higher costs. The utility company is focused on finding solutions to address affordability and is considering options such as increasing generation and transmission. The higher costs will be directly passed on to consumers and do not reflect a rate increase by the utility company. [Extracted from the article]

Baltimore-area homeowners can expect an 11% increase in their electric utility bills starting in mid-2025. This increase is due to the rising costs of procuring supplies, which reached an all-time high in a recent grid auction. The average bill is estimated to rise by about $18 per month in Exelon Corp.'s Baltimore Gas & Electric utility territory. The increase is a result of increased electricity demand and a decrease in supply, as well as the potential shutdown of two aging plants that provide a significant portion of BGE's electricity. This increase in costs is not a BGE rate increase, but rather a direct pass-through of higher wholesale power costs to consumers. [Extracted from the article]

Data centers, which house computer servers that power the internet and artificial intelligence, are rapidly expanding in Texas. This growth has been beneficial for the state's economy, but it is now posing challenges. The demand for energy from data centers and crypto miners is straining Texas' power grid, which already faced issues during extreme weather events. Concerns have been raised about the impact of data center growth on the grid and the need for new power generation capacity. The state is exploring options such as alternative energy sources and expanding gas power, but these solutions may take time to implement. Some data center developers are considering other locations, both within and outside of Texas. [Extracted from the article]

Power prices on the largest US power grid are set to reach a record high due to plant retirements and increased demand, including from new data centers. Generators on the 13-state grid will receive a record $269.92 per megawatt-day from utilities to provide capacity over a 12-month period starting in June, a significant increase from last year's auction. The auction results highlight the challenges of the energy transition, as cheap solar and wind power make older plants less competitive, while increased demand strains grids. These higher prices are expected to encourage investment in maintaining existing resources and building new ones. [Extracted from the article]

The cost of electricity for 65 million Americans connected to the largest US electrical grid will increase by 833% starting in June. Power generators in the 13-state grid, which spans from New Jersey to Illinois, will receive a record $269.92 per megawatt-day from utilities to provide capacity over a 12-month period. This auction by grid operator PJM Interconnection LLC is crucial for power plants in the region and impacts the electricity mix for a large portion of the US. The increased costs will be borne by households and businesses. [Extracted from the article]

Approximately 65 million Americans may face higher electricity prices next year due to a decrease in energy supply and an increase in demand on the largest US electric grid. Analysts predict that prices could be two to four times higher than the previous year's power auction, which saw prices at a decade low. The closure of coal and natural-gas fired plants will also remove a significant amount of generating capacity from the grid. The grid operator, PJM Interconnection LLC, holds auctions to ensure sufficient supply, and the results of these auctions impact plant owners and project developers. Baltimore and Virginia may experience the greatest impact, with prices potentially rising to over $400 per megawatt-day. [Extracted from the article]

ArcLight Capital Partners has launched a new unit called SkyVest Renewables with an initial capital of $500 million. The unit aims to acquire and upgrade wind and solar projects to meet the increasing electricity demand from data centers. SkyVest Renewables has already made its first deal by purchasing a 160-megawatt wind farm in West Texas. The company plans to spend a portion of the capital commitment this year and the rest in 2025. The investment in renewable energy is driven by the growing demand for low-carbon power due to the rise of artificial intelligence and electric vehicles. [Extracted from the article]

Thousands of people in Houston were left without power for over a week after Hurricane Beryl hit the city. The main reasons for the prolonged outages were a shortage of workers at CenterPoint Energy, the city's main utility, and the company's failure to manage vegetation near power lines. Experts have criticized the utility for not adequately preparing for the storm and for poor communication with customers. The backlash against CenterPoint has been strong, with lawsuits, calls for investigations, and criticism from public officials. The incident highlights the vulnerability of Texas' electric grid and the need for better preparation and infrastructure investment. [Extracted from the article]

Houston is still experiencing power outages and other difficulties in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. Large parts of the city are without power, causing stores to close and traffic lights to malfunction. Gas stations are either closed or experiencing long lines of people trying to fuel their cars and generators. Over 1 million homes and businesses are without air conditioning, and about 500,000 customers will remain without power into the next week as the city's main utility, CenterPoint Energy Inc., works to repair the damaged system. The outages are causing significant hardships for residents, with some struggling to find gas and supplies. The storm's cost in the US is estimated to be between $28 billion and $32 billion. The continued outages have led to frustration among residents and officials, with concerns about public health and the need for backup generators in assisted-living facilities. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has promised to investigate the repeated blackouts in Houston. [Extracted from the article]

Lumen Technologies Inc. has experienced partial service disruptions for its Houston-area clients due to power outages caused by Tropical Storm Beryl. The company's Houston data center is relying on backup generators to maintain partial service while working with the power company to resolve the issue. This is not the first time that power failures and extreme weather have disrupted data center operations, highlighting the increasing dependence on data centers in today's world. CenterPoint Energy Inc., the power provider for Lumen's Houston complex, is working to find sites to add mobile generators. [Extracted from the article]

Lumen Technologies Inc. has reported that its Houston data center is experiencing partial service disruptions due to power outages caused by Tropical Storm Beryl. The data center is currently relying on backup generators to maintain partial service while working with the power company to resolve the issue. This power failure is affecting multiple companies in the area. Lumen operates a data center in Houston's Greenspoint neighborhood. [Extracted from the article]

New England's power grid operator has declared a level 1 emergency due to an intense heat wave that is expected to last for several days. Some power generation serving the region has gone offline, leaving the grid operator without enough electricity to meet demand while maintaining required reserves. Electricity prices briefly spiked to over 10 times the day-ahead cost. The emergency comes as a potentially record-setting heat wave hits the northeast, with excessive heat warnings in effect. Grid conditions are expected to be tight due to the permanent shutdown of a large natural-gas power plant in Massachusetts. [Extracted from the article]

New England's power grid operator has declared a level 1 emergency alert due to a heat wave in the northeastern US. Some power generation serving the region went offline, leaving the grid operator without enough electricity to meet demand. However, blackouts are not imminent. The emergency comes as New England faces intense heat and tight grid conditions after a natural-gas power plant shut down. Back-up oil generation has been brought online to help meet demand. [Extracted from the article]

According to a top US Energy Department official, the increasing demand for electricity from artificial intelligence and data centers means that next-generation nuclear power is crucial and cannot fail. David Crane, undersecretary for infrastructure at the department, has expressed optimism about emerging designs for small modular reactors, a shift from his previous skepticism. The need for new power sources to meet the demands of AI, electric vehicles, and factories has led to interest in small modular reactors, which are seen as the only technology capable of providing concentrated zero-carbon power. [Extracted from the article]

Extreme weather events, such as heat waves, floods, and storms, are posing challenges for California's electric systems and making it difficult to plan for the future, according to the CEO of the California Independent System Operator. As a result, California will still need natural gas plants and nuclear energy in the near term as it increases its renewable power capacity. The recent power outages in Texas and strain on the grid in Delhi, India, highlight the impact of wild weather. Uncertainty around climate change and power demand, including the unexpected rise in power needs from data centers, further complicate grid planning. While California is adding renewable power and batteries to its grid, it will still rely on natural gas and nuclear energy for reliability in the coming years. [Extracted from the article]

Texas is set to face extreme heat this week, which will put a strain on the state's electrical grid as residents and businesses turn on their air conditioners. The heat will also affect other parts of the US, including the Midwest and Northeast. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas has warned of extreme weather risks for the state's grid. The early arrival of hot temperatures is causing stress on power-generating assets, as many plants are offline for repairs and upgrades. Southern parts of Texas are expected to see temperatures above 100F, with heat indices reaching 110F or higher. Electricity usage is projected to hit record highs, and the riskiest period is around sunset when solar generation drops and power from gas plants and batteries must quickly replace it. The heat is expected to continue into June. Additionally, more than 10 million people in parts of Texas and other states are preparing for storms, including the risk of high winds, hail, downpours, and tornadoes. This extreme weather pattern has been affecting the central US for weeks. [Extracted from the article]

A wind storm in Houston has caused power outages for over 140,000 customers, with most of them being served by CenterPoint Energy Inc., which operates the most stressed local power grid in the US. Data from Whisker Labs Inc. shows that CenterPoint's territory in Houston had the highest count of problems out of any major utility in April. The storm highlighted the poor power-quality and aging infrastructure issues that are prevalent across the country. As extreme weather events become more frequent due to climate change, the US grid is being tested, leaving Americans vulnerable to longer-lasting power failures. [Extracted from the article]

The New York grid is predicting a 10% increase in peak power demand this summer compared to last year, which had unusually mild weather. The grid operator has stated that they currently have enough supplies to meet the rising demand. However, if there is a heatwave with temperatures reaching 95F for three consecutive days or more, there could be a shortage of power supplies, with the deficit increasing as the weather gets hotter. The push to electrify the economy is adding strain to aging infrastructure, and the US is struggling to replace retired power plants. Consumers may be asked to conserve power use in extreme conditions. The New York ISO is forecasting a shortage of about 1.4 gigawatts if temperatures reach 95F for three consecutive days or more, and a deficit of over 3 gigawatts in 98F heat. The grid has emergency measures in place, including programs to curtail usage, and has about 3.3 gigawatts of supply it can tap into. [Extracted from the article]